2009 Photo Trip Day 1: The Marines and Our Heros
Start: Charlotte, NC
End: Washington DC
Miles Driven: 425
Photos Taken: 632
Today was the first day of my summer “vacation” after my last day of work yesterday. I spent last night packing and making final arrangements for the trip this morning.
Finally got out of the house around 8:45 and headed to Salisbury to visit my son and my in-laws who are watching him for the next week while Tina has work and guard duty. It really was nice seeing him and the toughest part of this trip will be away from him and Tina. He’s doing well with the grandparents and they are keeping him busy. I didn’t tell him “exactly” how long I’m planing on being gone, other than saying “I’ll see you son.” Probably not completely honest, but I’m not really sure how much/what a 3 1/2 year old can understand and comprehend.
I then drove up to Quantico and visit the US Marine National Museum. Extremely impressive facility. They had a couple of rooms centered around the Korean and Vietnam wars to simulate the experience of being there. Very sobering.
Next, I drove up to Arlington National Cemetary. Visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and saw the changing of the guard. Large veteran group was also on hand to witness the ceremony and that’s always a good experience to see that. Few people can really comprehend the sacrifice of those that came before us.
Then, I went over to the Marine Corp National Monument (Iwo Jima) statue for the Tuesday Sunset Parade. I had intentionally moved the start of the trip up a day to attend. Very impressive display from the marines stationed here in D.C. Afterwards, headed back through Arlington to the parking lot – very nice experience as the place was devoid of visitors and I could just soak in the experience of what it really means to be there.
Finally – headed back to DC to scout a parking spot for tomorrow morning near the monuments. The earliest spots open up around the monuments is 6:00 AM, which is a bit late for sunrise. I’ll just take the metro over in the morning instead.
I’ll post pictures as I get a chance.